Events

Winter Walk or Snowshoe at Crystal Gorge Dec, 20

Enjoy a hike through the woodlands of the Crystal Gorge Conservation Area in Haverhill.

The moderately challenging trails over 65 acres pass vernal pools, old stone walls and small streams. The hike will also traverse Crystal Gorge, a unique geological feature created by a volcanic event millions of years ago.

If time and conditions allow, we will cross the road into Crystal Point Conservation Area for views over Crystal Lake.

Partner event with Y Connections Hiking Club

WHEN:  Thursday, December 20

WHERE:  Crystal Gorge Conservation Area, Haverhill

TIME:  9:30 - 11:30 am

FREE

Parking: A gravel lot on Crystal Street behind trail sign. Additional parking on Crystal Street. 

Mutt Strut in Gloucester Dec, 30

Back by popular demand!  Whether on four paws or two feet, this hike at the Tompson Street Reservation is great fun for all participants.

WHEN:  Sunday, December 30

TIME:  1:00 - 3:00 pm

WHERE:  Tompson Street Reservation, Gloucester

FREE

Hood Pond Snowshoe Jan, 17

Join Greenbelt and leader Richard Lombard to explore Cleaveland Farm State Forest near Hood Pond. This will be a hike or a snowshoe event, depending on weather conditions.

Y Connections hike in partnership with the YMCA of Marblehead

WHERE: Cleaveland Farm State Forest (Willowdale), Boxford, MA

WHEN: Thursday, January 17, 2019. 9:30-11:30 am

Winter Wander Jan, 27

Join Greenbelt and Haverhill Trails Committee on a walk or snowshoe through Winnekenni Park Conservation Area. We'll see Kenoza Lake and Winnekenni Castle from the trails and enjoy the winter landscape as we go.

WHERE: Winnekeni Park Conservation Area, Haverhill, MA

WHEN: Sunday, January 27, 2019. 1:00-3:00 pm

*If the weather calls for it, please bring your own snowshoes. A limited number of pairs maybe borrowed from ECGA. Please contact Jane at jane@ecga.org to reserve a pair.

*Photo credit: Jerry Monkman

Family Nature Series - Animal Tracks Feb, 09

Join Greenbelt and the North Shore Nature Program to look for animal footprints in the snow (or mud!). We'll learn about what animals are moving around in the winter, where they live, what they do when it's cold out, and how to spot their tracks.

WHEN: Saturday, February 9, 2019. 1:00-3:00pm

WHERE: Atherton Field at Indian Hill Conservation Area, West Newbury, MA 

Geology Hike or Snowshoe Feb, 21

Greenbelt Director of Development Cathy Lanois will be leading this fun hike/snowshoe through the woods behind the Pingree School in Hamilton. Cathy's expertise in geology adds interest to this winter hike, where you'll notice the shape of the land and learn about how this area was formed eons ago.

WHEN: Thursday, February 21, 2019. 9:30-11:30 am

WHERE: Pingree Woodlot, behind the Pingree School in Hamilton, MA

*Photo credit: Jerry Monkman

Forest Foray Feb, 24

Greenbelt is partnering with Boxford Trails Association/Boxford Open Land Trust to bring you a guided hike/snowshoe through Lockwood Forest. We'll discover a portion of the Bay Circuit Trail and learn about the conservation and ecology of the area.

WHERE: Lockwood Forest, Boxford, MA

WHEN: Sunday, February 24, 2019. 1:00-3:00 pm

*Photo credit: Jerry Monkman

Wetland Wonders Mar, 21

Greenbelt partners with Haverhill Trails Committee to present this scenic hike in Meadow Brook Conservation Area.

We'll discover wetlands, meadows, streams and the Millvale Reservoir on our hike, led by HTC guide Mark Sheehan. 

WHERE: Meadow Brook Conservation Area, Haverhill, MA

WHEN: Thursday, March 21, 2019. 9:30-11:30 am

Jenkins Sawmill Guided Hike Mar, 24

Local historian and expert on stone walls and ruins, James Gage, will take us on a guided hike around the Jenkins Sawmill site in Harold Parker State Forest. We'll pass ponds, follow streams, and cut through a field of giant boulders on our walk to discover the history of the sawmill and its surroundings.

WHERE: Harold Parker State Forest

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 2019. 1:00-3:00

Family Nature Series - Vernal Pools Apr, 06

Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs present this outdoor Vernal Pools program for families.

Come discover what lives in these ponds that appear in the spring and then disappear by summer. We'll scoop up some pond water to see who lives there, we'll look under nearby logs for wiggly salamanders, and we'll touch slimy frog egg masses (the ones that don't have frogs in them-- no frogs will be harmed!). Wear your Wellington boots so you can go right up to the edge of the pond!

WHERE: Farnsworth Reservation, North Andover

WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 2019. 4:00-6:00pm 

Beverly Commons Hike Apr, 18

Beverly Commons Conservation Area is 126 acres of trails of all kinds-- soft dirt, rock slabs, bog bridge, and old carriage road. Learn about the history of the conservation area while we get our arms and legs moving on this fun hike.

WHERE: Beverly Commons Conservation Area, Beverly, MA
at the end of Greenwood Ave. 
(please note: This is not the same as the small, grassy "Common," which is downtown near the library)

WHEN: Thursday, April 18, 2019. 9:30-11:30am 

Bird Expedition Apr, 28

Join Greenbelt and a local guide to find great birding spots at Mazurenko Farm and Carter Hill. There is a wildlife viewing platform overlooking a pond and surrounding wetlands where herrons nest. Just across the road is another trail system that leads to fields and a copse of locust trees, as well as ash, pine and birch.

WHERE: Carter Fields, Boxford/North Andover

WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 2019. 1:00-3:00 pm

Forest Bathing Workshop May, 14

Nadine Mazzola will lead us in a Forest Bathing workshop, a multi-sensory experience in nature.  The practice originated in Japan where it is called shinrin-yoku.

Mazzola, a certified Forest Therapy Guide, trainer and mentor, will explain why taking a leisurely walk in the woods is proven by scientists to benefit physical as well as mental health. Its positive effects are said to last a month following each weekend in the woods. 

Forest Bathing was recently the subject of Windows to the World.  Watch Video 

WHERE:  Julia Bird Reservation, Ipswich

WHEN:  Tuesday, May 14, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

FEE: $25

DIRECTIONS & PARKING:  Click Here

Photo credit: Jerry Monkman

Andover Hike - AVIS Celebration May, 16

Explore connected properties-- Indian Ridge, West Parish Meadow, and Baker's Meadow-- in historic Andover. We'll follow the shores of a pond with waterlilies, swans, a beaver deceiver; walk along an ancient ridgeline trail; and stroll through wild meadow grasses and flowers. In partnership with AVIS (Andover Village Improvement Society) as they celebrate their 125th anniversary.

WHERE: Indian Ridge Reservation, Andover, MA

WHEN: Thursday, May 16, 2019. 9:30-11:30 am.

Birds - Bees - Butterflies May, 18

Celebrate and learn about honey bees, butterflies and the other pollinators so important to our flowers and food supply on May 18, Family Pollinator Day.

There is much to learn about these hard-working pollinators. With kid-friendly activities, attendees with learn about the many fruits, vegetables, and nuts, including chocolate and coffee they help bring us.

FREE

WHEN: SATURDAY, MAY 18

TIME:  10am - 1pm

WHERE:  COX RESERVATION, ESSEX

Eyes on Owls at iFarm May, 19

Mark and Marcia founded Eyes On Owls in 1994 as a way to rescue owls that are injured (often by cars) and cannot be returned to the wild. Eyes On Owls helps the public understand these magnificent animals and the best ways to protect them.

Eyes On Owls will share the field marks, signs and naturalist’s skills that you can use to see wild owls without disturbing them, while introducing you to six live owls up close.  They will also share tips on how to protect owls near you.

Explore the world of owls with two talented naturalists and their six lively owls on a beautiful summer day at iFarm!

All attendees aged 3 and up require a ticket for this event.

Visit iFarm's website to register. Use the code GREENBELT to get $10 tickets ($18 without the code).

WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 2019. 11:00am-12:00pm

WHERE: iFarm, 55 Towne Rd., Boxford, MA 

Wild Edibles Walk May, 21

Enjoy nibbling on edible plants at Cox Reservation with local expert Russ Cohen. You'll learn to identify common species in this area and explore the wild edibles to be found along the marsh.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 21. 6:00-8:00pm

WHERE: Cox Reservation, Essex, MA 

Family Nature Series - Wild Edibles for Kids Jun, 15

Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs present a yummy walk around Cox Reservation where you'll munch on edible plants on the property.

Your guide, Andrew Prazar, will show you how to spot edible plants and teach us about what to eat and what not to eat outdoors. Of course, we'll try a few of the most tasty edible treats!

Some plants we might taste include Juneberries, Dandelions, Lamb's Quarters, Cattails, Milkweed, and Pineapple Weed flowers. You'll also learn about nuts that come from local trees and we'll hunt for some other fun plants like Sassafrass and Beach Plum.

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 4:00-6:00 pm

WHERE: Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Ave., Essex, MA 

*Parents- Give a call or send an email if you have any questions! 978-768-7241, ext. 17 or jane@ecga.org